Josh Pate picks top college football teams that could face danger in 2026

College football analyst Josh Pate has identified three top-10 preseason teams—Notre Dame, Georgia, and Texas—that could potentially underperform in the 2026 season despite high expectations. Pate discussed his predictions on his YouTube show, "Josh Pate’s College Football Show."

Notre Dame, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, is viewed as a risky high-ranking team despite finishing as a top-10 caliber team last season. Pate suggests that if Notre Dame's performance last year was overestimated, the team could face challenges, although their relatively easier schedule might prevent a significant downfall.

Georgia, a perennial powerhouse, might face a similar situation. Pate speculates that if the Bulldogs' 11-1 record from the previous year masked potential weaknesses, they could struggle against a tough schedule that includes teams like Alabama and Oklahoma.

Texas, under Heisman Trophy frontrunner Arch Manning, faces a challenging schedule with early games against Ohio State and Tennessee. Pate points out that Texas’